Being a barista is a skill. Having certain equipment and tools will make your drinks taste better, keep your station clean, and make you a better barista. Take it from someone with years of experience. Whether you are a home barista or a cafe employee or owner, these 15 items are essential to your barista game!
ESPRESSO MACHINE :
Your espresso machine is the main character of the show! Without it, nothing is possible. There are so many to choose from it can be completely overwhelming. They can range from $1,000 - $20,000 depending on your specific needs. Are you just a home barista or are you opening a shop?
A really great Espresso Machine I recommend is Rocket Espresso Appartamento! It's the perfect size for a home coffee bar and can also keep up with the demand of a shop. It has a fillable water compartment so no need to run any waterline, a big enough broiler to pull shots and steam at the same time.
ESPRESSO GRINDER
Just as the espresso machine is important, so is the espresso grinder you choose to pair with it. The most important thing to look for is that its a burr grinder. Using a burr grinder will significantly improve your coffee's quality. Since burrs grind with pressure rather than through chopping the beans, they result in fewer tiny fragments, or fines, than a blade grinder.
I totally recommend a Rocket Espresso Super Fausto Touch Espresso Grinder. The price may be a little up there but this is definitely a situation where you get what you pay for. This grinder will be still grinding 10/15 years from now so it's more of an investment to your barista career than anything else!
ESPRESSO TAMPER
Once you have your espresso ground and in your portafilter it is time to use a tamper. A tamper allows you to make the grinds compact and even within the portafilter so that you can enjoy the very best extraction of espresso. I recommend this one: Espresso Tamper
SYRUPS
Just as the espresso beans you use are extremely important, so are the flavors you're adding to each cup. I try to keep them as natural as possible by using cane sugar syrup and clean ingredients. I am a fan of both Torani and Monin brands.
MICROFIBER RAGS
These are a MUST HAVE for any coffee bar set up, home or commercials. Keep several close by to clean the portafilter, steam wand and any spills along the way!
I love this brand: MICROFIBER RAGS!
Hope you enjoyed my little list of Barista Must Haves! =)